Aspirin use not as high as you might expect

Aspirin is a known combatant against heart attack and stroke -- yet only 41 percent of Americans over the age of 40 regularly take it.

Researchers involved in a study, which was published in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, were admittedly surprised to find that such a low percentage of aspirin users. Stephen Wesimana, PhD, one of the lead researchers in the study, stated "We expected to see greater than 70% utilization rates."

Aspirin should not be taken by everyone, particularly by people who are allergic or are at high risk of serious bleeding. It can also sometimes cause gastro problems in some people, something to discuss with your doctor before beginning a regular regimen of aspirin use. Speaking of doctors, the study to which I have been referring also revealed a link between discussions with physicians about aspirin use and its actual use. Falling somewhere in the ballpark of 88 percent, this many Americans who take aspirin did so after chatting with their doctor about it.